Daytime Skincare Essentials

 I just got back from an amazing two-week cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.  I'll have more details and pictures coming up, but in the meantime, I wanted to share the daytime skincare essentials that I packed.  My daytime routine is pretty simple; I usually stick to basic products and focus on deep cleansing and moisturizing.  Here’s what I’m currently using:1.  fresh Soy Face Cleanser.  I’d been using a cleanser from Kiehl’s for the past month or so, and while it does a great job at cleansing my skin, it is pretty drying.  While browsing at Nordstrom one day, I spotted this travel size container and decided to give it a try.  I really like that it cleans my skin and leaves no residue.  It’s also less drying than the Kiehl’s cleanser.  It is mildly foaming and has a really pleasant rose scent and works well with or without my Clarisonic.  Bottom line:  this cleanser is gentle, effective and not too drying.  I’d recommend it if you have normal/dry skin.2.  NARS toner.  I’ve previously reviewed this product and stand by my prior review.  This is a great way to make sure my skin is really clean before applying makeup, but what makes it so good is that it adds moisture too.  It’s also a good way to prep my lips for lipstick because it’s both exfoliating and moisturizing.  Bottom line:  I definitely recommend this for all skin types, except for very oily skin.3.  Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré.  This is another favorite, and for good reason.  This is super moisturizing, but not at all greasy.  It absorbs quickly and leaves my skin feeling plump, so it’s an awesome base for makeup.  It isn’t loaded with anything fancy; it’s active ingredients include shea butter, beeswax, aloe vera and soy proteins, so it’s also great for sensitive skin.  Bottom line:  I highly recommend and will probably re-purchase this once I run out.4.  Clinique Superdefense Age Defense Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 20.  I don’t use this everyday because it leaves my eyelids just a little ashy (unfortunately this happens pretty frequently with sunscreen and darker skin).  I also don’t think it’s necessary for weekdays when I’m mostly in the office.  However, I packed it with me on the cruise because I knew I’d be outside for most of the day.  This product doesn’t irritate my eye area at all and since I’m just days away from turning 30, I’m really starting to focus more on anti-aging.  I feel like I’m doing something good for my skin whenever I use this product, so I’d recommend this for anyone looking to prevent premature aging around the eye area (pretty much everyone).  Also, when I remember to dust a little powder over my eyelids, the slight ashiness disappears.5.  Clarins UV Plus HP Ecran Multi-Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 40.  This is my favorite sunscreen.  The formula is very light and blends in completely, which is often a concern with sunscreen and darker skin tones.  This SPF also dries to a nice satin finish, so no greasiness either.  The high SPF is also a major plus, especially since I use a prescription retinoid cream that increases sun sensitivity.  Bottom line:  Must have.Shop the my Daytime Skincare Essentials below:[widgets_on_pages id=shopstyle]